The Ways Of Obedience And Submission

The Ways of Obedience and Submission

Get all the advice and instruction you can,

Proverbs 19:20

My friend Kendra was eager to begin her first year teaching school. Although she loved children and loved teaching, after the first week of the school year she was discouraged by the attitudes of some of the young children, who preferred to talk instead of listen and to play instead of learn. Kendra thought talking to parents of those children would help, but she received even more disrespect from the parents! After a few years of battling to instruct and guide her charges, Kendra quit. The poor attitudes of the parents influenced the thoughts of the children and made the soil of their hearts resistant to instruction.

Those in modern society are often surprised by the positive attitudes of Amish children. Of course they are not perfect, but Amish children are taught to respect adults. Amish adults live in obedience to their church and community, and they teach their children what it means to follow God and live the Amish way.

While teaching children is important, modeling correct behavior also goes a long way. The phrase “Do what I say, not what I do” would never be found on the lips of an Amish mother or father. Instead, they know that for good or bad, little ones will follow where they are led.

Are there young ones watching you and following your example? Ask God to guide your steps. Open your heart to the advice and instruction of godly people in your life. Not only will you benefit from the wisdom you attain, but your children will too.

Dear heavenly Father, submitting to godly leaders and friends and turning to them for advice can be hard to do, yet I know it’s where wisdom is found. Soften my heart to receive their instruction. Amen.